Window construction



Dec. 8, 1942. i J. PLYM 2,304,598

WINDOW CONSTRUCTION Filed Oct. 26, 1939 s Sheets-Sheet 1 A9 I NVENTOR. @w/ence \%7774 ATTORNEYS.

Dec. 8, 1942. PLYM I 2,304,598

' WINDOW CONSTRUCTION Filed Oct. 26, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Dec. 8, 1942. L, J, PLYM 2,304,598

WINDOW CONSTRUCTION Filed Oct. 26, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 6&

I INVENTOR. Qzejuw "encedj nv ATTORNEY:

Patented Dec. 8, 1942 WINDOW CONSTRUCTION Lawrence J. Plym, Niles; Mich., assignor to The Kawneer Company, Niles, Mich, a corporation of Michigan Application October 26, 1939, Serial No. 301,478

2 Claims: (Cl. 189-72) The present invention relates to a novel window construction and more especially to a metal window of the double-hung or slidable sash type and in certain novel features of construction.

Among the objects of the present invention is the provision of a novel window construction in which the assembly is completely fabricated as a unit at the factory, except for glazing. In order to allow for such assembly the metal frame is preferably of rolled or extruded construction and welded at the corners to form an integral unit, free from screws or other securing means. So as to reinforce the frame the invention contemplates incorporating a strengthening member in the form of a simple channel of the same material which is preferably spot-welded to the back of the frame and thereby forms a side Jamb tube. This construction makes the use of a hidden steel sub-frame, which would rust, unnecessary.

By forming the window frame in the manner disclosed, light and visibility are greatly increased and exposed sight lines, while extremely narrow, are of sumcient width to allow space for a screen or storm sash and the necessary hardware.

Another novel feature of the frame is in the construction of the mullions and corner post or posts which are of minimum size to allow for optimum area of glass, and of maximum strength and durability. The entire frame and sash members are of non-ferrous metals with the frame sections preferably of cold rolled and the sash members of extruded metal, preferably aluminum or bronze.

The novel sash members are formed of relatively light extruded sections, which are coped and peened or welded together, and provide a substantially rigid construction without the necessity of welding. The side rails of the sash are of channel shape to facilitate connection to a sash balance, and are so constructed and arranged as to carry a novel construction of Weatherstrip in wiping contact with the frame.

The invention further resides in the novel combination, construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings,

' but while there is shown therein a preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the same is susceptible of modification and change without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a view in side elevation of a novel window construction.

I novel manner of glazing the sash.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view in perspective showing the manner of attaching the sash balance tape to the window sash.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view in vertical cross section through the construction shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view in perspective of the sash and side jamb construction, with certain parts in cross section to more clearly disclose the details of construction.

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary view of an upper sash showing the manner of attaching the tape.

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 5 but showing the arrangement of the Weatherstripping with respect to a side rail of the lower sash Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view in perspective of the novel Weatherstrip.

Fig. 10 is a view in side elevation of the novel window with the sash balances mounted intermediate the ends of the window frame.

Fig. 11 is a view in vertical cross section of the sash balance of Fig. 10 showing the manner of attaching the balance tapes to the sash members.

Fig. 12 is a view taken atright angles to that of Fig. 11 to more clearly show the position of the tapes.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary view in horizontal cross section through a novel mullion for mounting adjacent sashes.

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig, 13 but of a corner mullion construction.

Referring more particularly to the disclosure in Figs. 1 to 8, inclusive, of the drawings, the illustrated embodiment of the invention comprises a window I having a metal frame 2 and slidable sash members 3 and 4, the frame 2 being preferably of rolled construction and welded at the corners so as to provide a rigid assembly free from screws or other securing means, and free from unsightly exposed Weatherstrip. In order to reinforce the side jambs 5 of the window frame, the invention comprehends the provision of a strengthening member 6 in the form of a simple channel which is positioned as shown in Fig. 3, and preferably spot-welded to the back of the frame forming a side jamb tube. This reinforcing member makes the use of a hidden steel sub-frame unnecessary.

The side jambs of the frame are so formed as to provide spaced and vertically extending channels 1 for receiving the slidable sashes 3 exertion. A member l2 in the form of a simple channel is provided for strengthening the head jamb.

The novel frame construction is so formed to provide narrow exposed sight lines l3 but which are wide enough to allow space for a screen or storm sash and the necessary hardware. Each side of the frame is provided with reveals 14 to receive calking l5, plaster l5 or any desired trim about the frame.

The sash 3 is provided with a top rail l0, side rails l6 and a bottom rail l1, while the lower sash 4 is provided with a top rail I8, side rails l9 and bottom rail 20, The horizontal sections which comprise the top and bottom rails are formed of tubular construction, while the side rails or vertical members are channel in shape for the reception of a concealed Weatherstrip 2|. This Weatherstrip is of resilient metal and is so formed as to provide shoulders or projections 22 adapted to seat in the inwardly opening channels 23 formed in the opposite sides of the rails 16 and I9 on the upper and lower sash. The Weatherstripping 2! in the disclosed embodiment is further provided with curved extension 24 adapted to have a wiping contact with the opposite sides of the channels 1 formed in the side jambs, although it is to be understood that the Weatherstripping may take other shapes or forms for the purpose disclosed. By carrying the weatherstrips 2| in the side rails they are not exposed and their wiping contact with the opposite sides of the channels I maintains these channels clean. These weatherstrips extend for the length of the sash and due to their inherent resiliency may be readily assembled as a unit with the sash and quickly removed or replaced should the occasion arise. The novel rolled shape makes for a self-supporting structure but one which,v is sufllciently resilient to allow the sash to slide freely in the channels 1 without causing abrasion.

The sashes are preferably formed of light extruded sections which are coped and peened together, or mitered and welded, to provide a substantially rigid construction. In order to mount the glass in the sash, each rail or section is formed with an exterior flange 24, a shoulder 25 and a slot or groove 26 which is undercut to provide an overhanging lip 21. A stop or retaining member comprises a glass retaining flange 28, a shoulder 29 having a rounded upper or outer surface adapted to form a cam face and a projection or lip 30 adapted to be received beneath the lip 21 and retain the stop in position. The rounded inner or rear surface of the shoulder 25 and the rounded upper or outer surface of the shoulder 29 provide cam surfaces to receive and direct the stop or retaining member into locking position in the slot or groove 26.

In the assembly of the glass the pane 3| is set material 32 as shown in Fig. 4. The stop or retaining member is then forced into the slot or groove 26 by a slight tilting or car-ming action and the projection or lip 30 is locked within the undercut slot and under the overhanging lip 21. Putty or other waterproof plastic material 33 is then forced into the space between the flange 28 and the pane of glass and the sash is completely assembled and glazed,

The upper sash rail of the sash 3 is channelled at 34 to receive a Weatherstrip 35 of felt or other sealing material adapted to receive the bead or projection ll and a flange 36 is provided to form a sealing contact with the head jamb of the frame. The lower sash rail l! is also channelled at 31 for the reception of a weatherstrip 35 to intercept the sealing flange 38 on the upper rail [3 of the lower sash 4. In addition to the above seal, the meeting rail I! is provided with a flange or projection 39 adapted to engage a flange or projection 40 on the meeting rail l8 when the sashes are in closed position. Any desirable hardware such as the sash fastener 4| may be employed for locking the sashes against movement. The bottom rail 20 of the lower sash is so formed as to provide a weather-tight seal with the sill 42 of the window frame. This rail is formed with a channel 43 for retaining a strip of felt 35 or other weatherstripping, and a flange 44, both of which contact the stepped arrangement 45 of the sill when the sash 4 is in closed or lowered position.

The weather-tight closure is accomplished without any wedging action between the sash 4 and the stepped projections 45 on the sill, so that the sash may be readily opened or closed without undue exertion. In addition, the sill is formed to include a sloping gutter 45 to prevent condensation on or at the sill from draining into the room.

In order to more securely retain the felt in each of the channels provided therefor, these channels are preferably undercut in such a way that the Weatherstripping is secured against accidental removal but permitting replacement when the occasion arises.

In order that the sashes may be readily raised and lowered, as well as retained in any adjusted or desired position, the invention comprehends the use of spring actuated sash balances 41, each having a tape or cable 48 adapted to be coiled within a housing 49 secured within the head jamb as shown in Fig. 6. Attached to the free end of the tape is a buckle or connection 50 adapted to be connected to a projection 5| on a hook 52 secured in the channel of a side rail as more clearly shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

In order to prevent the buckle or link 50 from being accidentally disengaged from the hook, there is provided an angularly arranged projection 53 adjacent the base of the hook 52. This forms an abutment against which the link engages should it slip off of the projection 5|, and

in putty or other suitable plastic or weathering due to the inclined or angular position of the member 53 the link would be retained in a position to reengage the hook when tension is applied to the tape.

The tape for the lower sash 4 is threaded or passed through a bumper 54, which prevents the sash fastener 4| on the meeting rail Hi from striking the frame at the head jamb. This bumper and the sealing block 55 which is secured to the sash rail ill of the upper sash 3 hold the weatherstrips 2| in place as well as hold the sash balance tape up against the side lambs 6 of the frame. They also close the opening between the sashes and frame in the frame tracks or channels I. The opening between the sash and parting strip56 is closed by a resilient rubbing block or plate 51. This plate is preferably of resilient metal secured at its opposite ends to the parting strip as by means of screws or the like 58, and its central portion receiving and housing a strip of felt or the like 59.

In Figs. 10, 11 and 12, the invention embodies an alternate form of sash balance in which these sash balances 66 are mounted in the side jambs adjacent the position occupied by the sash meeting rails when in closed position. In this form of the invention the tapes 6| are secured by a connector 62 to a plate 63 attached to the bottom rails I I and 20 of the upper and lower sashes 3 and 4, respectively.

.Fig. 13 shows a.mullion 64 for mounting adjacent sashes. The mullion is readily assembled from a side jamb 5, strengthening channel 6 and a side jamb all connected together to form a rigid mullion construction. This construction and arrangement of the members forming the mullion permits the assembly of the separate Window units in the field with a tongue and groove or lapping joint, and these members may be held together byspacer bolts 64 which tie together and accurately space and line up both sides of the mulliom In Fig. 14 is'shown a corner mullion or post 65 for mounting angularly, disposed sashes. This corner post comprises an angle member 66 and reinforcing straps 61 suitably spaced along and secured to the interior of the angleimember.

Secured to the adjacent sides of this corner post are side jambs 5 for reception of adjoining but angularly disposed sashes 3 and 4. A corner connector or cap 68 is provided for retaining and anchoring the meeting edges of the adjacent side jambs. In the disclosed embodiment, the panes of glass 3| are shown as retained by putty or other plastic, it being expressly'understood that the invention comprehends glazing by the use of putty or by means of a retainingmember or stop 28.

From the above description and the disclosure in the drawings, it will be apparent that the invention comprehends a novel window construction which is completely fabricated as,a unit at the factory, except for the glazing. The novel Weatherstrip and sash are quickly assembled, removed or replaced, with the Weatherstrip being carried by and slidable with each sash member so as to be completely enclosed. Although the parts are shown in their preferred relationship, it is to be understood that numerous modifications and changes, including a reversal of the sections of the meeting rail, are contemplated;

The novel sash may be quickly removed from the frame or replaced by removing the bumpers 54 from the top corners of the lower sash 4 and the sealer blocks 55 from the top corners of the upper sash 3. These are merely held in place by a bolt or other attaching means. The sash balance tapes 48 are then unhooked from the sash and the weatherstrips 2| are then removed from the side rails by sliding them out from the top. This leaves the sash free to drop out of the frame.

The novel sash rails and frame, when assembled, form a rigid, light weight metal window unit, requiring no screws or similar atttaching means. The sashes are shown as provided with a novel stop or retaining member which facilitates glazing and assembly, although where the sashes are relatively small, the glazing may be accomplished by using putty in the manner shown in Fig. 14 for retaining the pane of glass in the manner well known.

Having thus described my inventoni, I claim:

1. In a metal window construction, a frame comprising a head jamb, side jambs and sill, vertically extending channels provided in the side jambs, sashes slidable in said channels and provided with side rails having spaced sides forming an outwardly opening channel, oppositely opening grooves provided in the spaced sides of the side rails, and a resilient Weatherstrip having spaced projections frictionally held in said oppositely opening grooves and having spaced, curved extensions in wiping contact with the-walls of the channels provided in the side jambs and in which the sashes slide.

2. In a metal window construction, a frame jambs, sashes slidable in said channels and provided with side rails having spaced sides forming an outwardlyopening channel, and a resilient, metallic Weatherstrip bridging and having projections anchored onto the spaced sides of each side rail adjacent its outer edge and having spaced, resilient extensions in wiping contact with theinterior surface of the vertical channels provided in the side jambs and in which said sashes slide.

LAWlltElICE J. PLYM., 

